Thistle, Thames Sailing Barge

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About

Sailing Barges ‘Thistle’ built in 1895 and ‘Hydrogen’ built 1906 were once part of the East Coast's traditional fleet of cargo vessels; two of over 2,000 barges then. Today only a handful survive. A gentle cruise on one of these vessels allows you to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful rivers of the East Coast in a memorable and interesting way. Join us for one of our public cruises or be part of a group booking, catering for up to 50 people.

We also offer weekend breaks for groups of up to 12 people. Escape your world and relax in ours! Or enjoy a banquet on a river onboard our fleet of historic Thames Barges for individuals and groups, including two-hour cruises, day sails, weekends away and static parties.

Two Island River Cruise - Join at Maldon Quay for a two hour cruise, past Northey Island to Osea Island before returning.

Orwell River Cruise - A three or four hour cruise from Ipswich to the mouth of the river and back.

Suffolk Rivers Cruise - A relaxing day sail exploring the Rivers Orwell and Stour

Sorry disabled access restricted - please contact us for further guidance.

Guide Prices

Private Hire - depends on location, duration etc - please ring office.
Public trips - full programme with prices on our website.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (with charge)

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • On-site light refreshments

Groups

  • Facilities for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing
  • Facilities for corporate hospitality
  • Wedding receptions

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Public toilets

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Map & Directions

Topsail Charters

Type:Boat Trips

Cooks Barge Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Tel: 01621 857567

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVistEngland VAQAS Gold VistEngland VAQAS Gold 2018

Opening Times

* Available any day, any time.

What's Nearby

  1. For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime…

    0.06 miles away
  2. St. Mary's Church is known locally as the Fisherman's Church as its tower guides sailors…

    0.06 miles away
  3. Maldon Masjid – the Maldon District Islamic Cultural Association is set in a building…

    0.1 miles away
  1. The Promenade Park maze was built in the 1990s and is a simple hedge maze that children…

    0.11 miles away
  2. Maldon Mosaic, which can be found close the sandy play area at the western end of the…

    0.12 miles away
  3. The trademark Penny Farthing bicycle entices visitors to explore the treasures of this…

    0.14 miles away
  4. An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the…

    0.17 miles away
  5. The World War One Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park begins by the coach park and…

    0.21 miles away
  6. The Assumption of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church in Maldon was opened in 1925, replacing…

    0.22 miles away
  7. Maldon Methodist Church has a varied programme of worship and activities. The main Sunday…

    0.23 miles away
  8. Maldon's Elim Pentecostal Church is the home of the Maldon Food Pantry food bank as well…

    0.23 miles away
  9. The building in Wantz Road has been used by the Salvation Army for many years as our…

    0.26 miles away
  10. The Quaker Hall

    0.28 miles away
  11. The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd…

    0.28 miles away
  12. Maldon’s Quaker Meeting House was built in 1821. It comprises two separate rooms;…

    0.29 miles away
  13. We are a friendly bunch of people who take seriously our responsibility to seek first the…

    0.29 miles away
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Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Common Lane, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6NF

    Woodham Walter

    This site is part of a large network of nature reserves that make up the Danbury Ridge Complex. Woodham Walter Common is mainly secondary woodland with a few open areas where heather grows.

  2. Address

    Off London Road, Beeleigh, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

    Telephone

    07506 867122

    Maldon

    Three acres of riverside gardens in a picturesque and historic setting dating from the 13th century

  3. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    Maldon Mosaic, which can be found close the sandy play area at the western end of the lake, was designed by Susan Mason and created with her friends at the Limebrook University of the Third Age to celebrate Maldon and the significant events of 2012,…

  4. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    07701365122

    Maldon

    Every Tuesday. Walking netball is just what it says - netball, like you remember from school, but walking. No running, jumping or leaping allowed!

  5. Address

    Birchwood Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PR

    Telephone

    01621 828231

    Purleigh

    Small and friendly yard catering for all riders whether novice or experienced, either riding for fun or working for exams. Fully licenced and five star.

  6. Address

    80 Station Rd, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8HF

    Telephone

    +441621783811

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Burnham Footcare is run by Jacqui Saddington, Chiropodist, M.Inst.Chp, HCPC-registered.

  7. Address

    Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HG

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    An area of grassland and trees which slopes gently down to saltmarsh at the edge of the River Blackwater. At the top of the site near the road is a tarmac path and a number of benches.

  8. Address

    72 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5ET

    Maldon

    Grape Tree offers health food and wellbeing products including whole foods, superfoods and its own 100% Organic range, plus, healthy and nutritious snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and seeds. Browse organic, free from, raw, and vegan product…

  9. Address

    The Esplanade, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AL

    Telephone

    01621 743551

    Mayland

    An area of grassland adjacent to the sea wall in Mayland. Across the middle of the site is the remnants of an old borrow dyke which is now dry most of the year.

  10. Address

    High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AY

    Southminster

    2.36 miles. This walk explores the town of Southminster from its historic church and thatched cottages to the Jubilee Woodland and sculpture park and modern microbrewery. With a walk time of around an hour, and no steps or stiles to contend with,…

  11. Address

    Plume Academy, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

    Telephone

    0333 006 8331

    Maldon

    Welcome to MAN v FAT Maldon. Please feel free to sign up and your MAN v FAT coach will be in touch when a space in the league becomes available. You may qualify for a funded space if you have a BMI of 27.5+ and live in a participating postcode area…

  12. Address

    Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Maldon

    Maldon Gig Rowing Club has 2 Harker's Yard gigs and arrange club rowing, adventure rowing and race training to club members.

  13. Address

    12e West Station Yard, Maldon, CM9 6TW

    Telephone

    0203 39 77719

    Maldon

    Meatline is a family business with three shops, including the West Station Yard store in Maldon, selling to the public and trade customers. Meatline specialises in meat selection packs as well as a wide variety of items for the barbeque. Home…

  14. Address

    Ferry Road, Creeksea, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PQ

    Telephone

    01621 782282

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Superb 18 hole riverside course with stunning views over the River Crouch.

  15. Address

    Tiptree Road, Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EE

    Telephone

    01621 892821

    Great Braxted

    This attractive hilltop site, surrounded by hedges and mature oak trees, offers views towards Witham and the central Essex plain and is now the site of a new playground. Play equipment includes imaginative and accessible play equipment, including…

  16. Address

    The Square, Tillingham, Essex, CM07SU

    Telephone

    01621 779620

    Tillingham

    This Grade II listed parish church has a beautiful setting in the village square in Tillingham, surrounded by white weatherboarded cottages. It is also home to the village's war memorials.

  17. Address

    Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD

    Maldon

    Thursdays. The historic town centre of Maldon has had a street market since medieval times, and the tradition is about to be rejuvenated with the launch of a new outdoor market in October 2023. Opportunities are available for new stall holders!

  18. Address

    The Street, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6SA

    Woodham Walter

    This walk starts and finishes in the ancient and attractive village of Woodham Walter. The views across rural Essex are lovely. The terrain is varied, with arable fields, horse paddocks, a nature reserve and woodland.

  19. Address

    12 Station Road, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

    Telephone

    01621 786 503

    Burnham on Crouch

    What would you do if you were handed the keys to your own hotel for a night? Invite all your friends for a big dinner party, play the bartender, sip cocktails, snoop around the rooms, have the spa to yourselves… but here’s the catch… you’ve got to…

  20. Address

    Chic, 98 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 856301

    Maldon

    Chic

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